At One Place

.kmz files

.kmz file
Google Earth Placemark Archive
A zipped KML map file with its icons and overlays bundled in.

What opens a .kmz file

Windows
Google Earth Pro, QGIS, 7-Zip (to extract the KML)
macOS
Google Earth Pro, QGIS, Archive Utility (to extract)
Linux
Google Earth Pro, QGIS, unzip
In a browser
Google Earth for web, Google My Maps

What a .kmz file is

KMZ is a ZIP archive containing a KML document plus any images, icons or overlays it references, which is why maps are shared as KMZ rather than loose KML. Google Earth opens it directly, and Google My Maps imports it in a browser. Renaming to .zip and extracting gives you the plain-text KML inside.

Converting it

A .kmz file is commonly converted to .kml, .gpx, .geojson or .shp. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.

Details

Extension
.kmz
Full name
Google Earth Placemark Archive
Category
Data
MIME type
application/vnd.google-earth.kmz
Created by
Google / OGC
Format
Binary

Common questions

How do I open a .kmz file?
On Windows use Google Earth Pro; on macOS use Google Earth Pro; on Linux use Google Earth Pro. A zipped KML map file with its icons and overlays bundled in.
What is a .kmz file?
Google Earth Placemark Archive. KMZ is a ZIP archive containing a KML document plus any images, icons or overlays it references, which is why maps are shared as KMZ rather than loose KML. Google Earth opens it directly, and Google My Maps imports it in a browser.
Can I convert a .kmz file?
Yes. It is usually converted to .kml, .gpx, .geojson or .shp, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Media Types Registry — IANA
  2. Official vendor product documentation — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked